Accessing an out-space user interface for a document editor program

ABSTRACT

An out-space actuator is selected to access an out-space user interface for a document editor program. An out-space actuator is associated with an in-space user interface having a displayed document. When the out-space actuator is selected, an out-space user interface is displayed that includes an expanded feature selection surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to application Ser. No. 11/823,999, filed Jun. 29, 2007, entitled ACCESSING AN OUT-SPACE USER INTERFACE FOR A DOCUMENT EDITOR PROGRAM, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

In many document editors authoring and non-authoring features are integrated in the same user interface. For example, an “insert text” feature and a font feature may be part of the same tool bar as a save or print feature. When a user desires a certain feature, the user, typically, must search a dropdown tool bar until the user finds where the feature is located. Such searching may be time consuming especially when the user does not know where the feature is located.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key and/or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Also, this Summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Aspects of the disclosure pertain to accessing an out-space user interface for a document editor program. An out-space actuator is associated with an in-space user interface having a displayed document. When the out-space actuator is selected, an out-space user interface is displayed that includes an expanded feature selection surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 represents one example of an in-space user interface having an out-space actuator;

FIG. 2 represents one example of an out-space user interface having a document information tab;

FIG. 3 represents one example of an out-space user interface having a document log tab;

FIG. 4 represents one example of an out-space user interface having a share document tab;

FIG. 5 represents one example of an out-space user interface having a print document tab;

FIG. 6 represents one example of an out-space user interface having a getting started tab;

FIG. 7 represents one example of an out-space user interface having a application information tab;

FIG. 8 represents one exemplary operational flow diagram for accessing an out-space user interface in a document editor program; and

FIG. 9 represents an exemplary computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show specific exemplary embodiments. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope. Embodiments may be practiced as methods, systems or devices. Accordingly, embodiments may take the form of an entirely hardware implementation, an entirely software implementation or an implementation combining software and hardware aspects. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The logical operations of the various embodiments are implemented (1) as a sequence of computer implemented steps running on a computing system and/or (2) as interconnected machine modules within the computing system. The implementation is a matter of choice dependent on the performance requirements of the computing system implementing the invention. Accordingly, the logical operations making up the embodiments described herein are referred to alternatively as operations, steps or modules.

Aspects of the disclosure pertain to accessing an out-space user interface from an in-space user interface of a document editor. In one aspect, the out-space user interface is an interface that includes a category of features that do not require a document to be present on the display surface. In another aspect, an out-space user interface is a user-interface that includes non-authoring system features for a document editor program. The out-space user interface provides features to allow a user to do something with the document. In one aspect, the features do not affect the content of the document. As an example, out-space features may include document information features, document log features, print features, getting started features, and application information features. As other examples, out-space features may include a new feature, an open feature, a save feature, a close feature, a document inspector feature, a send for review feature, a mark as final feature, a permissions feature, a template feature, a PDF feature, document properties, a package for CD feature, an encryption feature, an online feature, an assign document tasks feature, an options feature, a publish to server feature, related document links, a digital signature, a blog feature, a compatibility checker, a fax feature, a document workspace, versioning, check in/out services, and workflow services. Other examples of out-space features may include tagging, workspaces/projects, related document and information features, access to sharing features, branding, people and groups, community connections and file searches. The aforementioned are but a few examples of out-space features. Out-space features may include any non-authoring features that do not require the user to see the document while working with the features. In one aspect, the out-space user interface only includes non-authoring features that do not affect the content of the document. In another aspect, the out-space user interface does not include authoring features.

Contrariwise, an in-space user interface is a user interface that includes authoring features for authoring or changing the content of a document. The affects of an in-space feature show up on the document that is being authored. An in-space user interface may include home features, insert features, page layout features, reference features, mailing features, review features and view features. An in-space user interface may also include formatting features and writing tools. Other examples of in-space user interface features may include text features, picture features, tables, shapes, chat features, bold features, font features, layout features, arranging features, style features, find tools, spelling tools, a paste tool, a word count, and a synonym finder. These examples are but a few examples of in-space features. In-space features may include any authoring feature for authoring or changing the content of a document.

As set forth herein, a user may open a document editor to author a document. A document editor may include a word processing editor, a spreadsheet editor, a slide presentation editor, a web page editor, an email editor and/or any other type of editor for editing a document. Although a document editor is described herein, an out-space user interface may also be associated with non-editing programs such as a browser, a web page, an email application, a project application, etc. When a document editor is opened, the user may author a document using the in-space user interface. When the user decides to perform a non-authoring feature the user may select an out-space actuator. Upon selection, the document is removed from the display and the ribbon is expanded to provide display space for the rich out-space features. In another aspect, the ribbon is replaced with an expanded feature selection surface. In still another aspect, the document is converted to an image, thumbnail, or miniature bitmap and moved to the out-space user interface. In yet another aspect, the entire in-space user interface is converted to an image, thumbnail, or miniature bitmap and moved to the out-space user interface. In this manner, the user has reassurance that they are not leaving the document editor program. If the user desires returning to the in-space user interface, the document image may be selected. Upon selection, the in-space user interface is repopulated on the display.

By providing navigation between in-space and out-space, users may easily become familiar with out-space features because they are separated from authoring features. By separating in-space and out-space features, users may easily find features because the features are categorized. Features may be richer and provide more information and functionality because the “real estate” of the display is better utilized. A greater amount of “real estate” is available for out-space features, thereby allowing software developers the opportunity to increase the functionality of a document editor program. Channels of communication associated with a document are better managed because they are not mixed in with in-space features.

FIG. 1 represents one example of an in-space user interface having an out-space actuator. Document editor 100 includes ribbon 102, document 104 and out-space actuator 106. Document editor 100 may include a word processing editor, a spreadsheet editor, a slide presentation editor, a web document editor, an email editor and/or any other type of editor for editing a document. Document editor may be associated with a computing device, such as the exemplary computing device set forth in FIG. 9.

Ribbon 102 includes a plurality of ribbon tabs such as home tab, insert tab, page layout tab, references tab, mailings tab, review tab, view tab, and/or any other type of authoring tab. Ribbon 102 may also include features associated with the tab. For example, ribbon 102 depicts a home tab having clipboard features, font features, paragraph features, style features, and editing features. The tabs and features depicted in FIG. 1 are but examples of tabs and features. Ribbon 102 may include any type of authoring tabs and features depending on the type of document 104 being authored.

Document 104 may be located below ribbon 102. Document 104 may be a “live” document that allows a user to edit and author the content of document 104. Document 104 may include a word processing document, a slide presentation document, a spreadsheet document, an internet document, an email document, and/or any other type of document that may be authored.

Out-space actuator 106 may include any type of button or selector. Even though out-space actuator 106 is depicted in the upper left corner of document editor 104, out-space actuator may be located anywhere in document editor 104. In one aspect, out-space actuator 106 provides “one-click” actuation of an out-space user interface. In this manner, a user is not required to navigate drop-down menus or lists to find out-space features.

FIG. 2 represents one example of an out-space user interface having a document information tab. Even though FIGS. 2-7 depicts tabs along the top of document editor 200, the tabs may be located on the sides, bottom and/or any other location within document editor. The tabs may also include buttons, quick links and/or other features not specifically depicted in FIG. 2-7. Document editor 200 includes expanded ribbon 202, document image 204 and out-space actuator 206. Expanded ribbon 202 includes a plurality of ribbon tabs such as a document information tab, a document log tab, a share document tab, a print document tab, a getting started tab, and an application information tab. As shown in FIG. 2, expanded ribbon 202 includes a greater display area than ribbon 102 of FIG. 1. In one aspect, expanded ribbon 202 populates the display area that was utilized by document 104 before document 104 was removed from the display area. In another aspect, expanded ribbon 202 includes buttons and functionality that allows the user to work in expanded ribbon 202.

Document image 204 may include an image, a thumbnail, and a miniature bitmap of document 104. In another aspect, the entire in-space user interface is converted to an image, thumbnail, or miniature bitmap and moved to the out-space user interface. Document image 204 may be static or “non-live.” Stated another way, a user may not be able to author document image 204 while in the out-space user interface. In one aspect, document 104 is converted to document image 204 when out-space actuator 106 is selected. In another aspect, document image 204 is displayed in expanded ribbon 202. In still another aspect, document image may provide a link back to the in-space user interface depicted in FIG. 1. Stated another way, a user may navigate back to the in-space user interface of FIG. 1 by selecting document image 204. Document image 204 may provide “one-click” actuation of an in-space user interface. In this manner, a user is not required to navigate drop-down menus or lists to find in-space features. In other aspects, out-space actuator 206 or any other type of button or selector may be selected to navigate back to the in-space user interface.

As depicted in FIG. 2, document editor 200 may include document information tab. Document information tab may be associated with document image 204, quick features 208, document details pane 210, document task list pane 212, dates pane 214, related items pane 216, and people pane 218. Quick features 208 may include a new feature, an open feature, a save feature, a save-as feature, a close document feature, and an exit editor feature. Document details pane 210 may include fields for entering metadata related to document 104. Such fields may include a title field, subject field, abstract field, author field, page number field, and a word count field. Document task list pane 212 may include a list of reminder tasks and fields for completing a project. Dates pane may include a set of fields for populating dates associate with benchmarks for a project. Related items pane 216 may include a list of items and fields for populating related items in document 104. For example, a related item may include a link to a webpage. People pane 218 may include a set of fields for providing access levels to people associated with document 104. For example, an access level may include no access, full access or partial access.

FIG. 3 represents one example of an out-space user interface having a document log tab. Document editor 300 includes expanded ribbon 302, document image 304 and out-space actuator 306. As depicted in FIG. 3, document editor 300 may include document log tab. Document log tab may be associated with document image 304 and document log pane 308. Document log pane 308 may include a list and fields associated with events related to a document. For example, documents log pane 308 may include a list of print dates, saving dates, sharing dates and/or any other document events that may be relevant in a log.

FIG. 4 represents one example of an out-space user interface having a share document tab. Document editor 400 includes expanded ribbon 402, document image 404 and out-space actuator 406. As depicted in FIG. 4, document editor 400 may include share document tab. Share document tab may be associated with document image 404, sharing task menu 408 and sharing pane 410. Share task menu 408 may include several features for sharing the document with other users. Sharing pane 410 may include a set of fields and functions for sharing the document. Sharing task menu may include sending pane 412, feedback pane 414, collaboration pane 416, and publishing pane 418. Sending pane 412 may include a send as attachment feature, a use document as message body feature, and/or a send document as fax feature. Feedback pane 414 may include a collect feedback feature, which routes the document to several people. Feedback pane 414 may also include a seek approval feature, which routes the document to several people and asks them to accept or reject the document. Feedback pane 414 may also include a send and track changes features, which emails a copy of the document and asks others to propose changes to include in the document. Collaboration pane 416 may include a workspace collaboration feature, which assigns owners to sections of the document. Collaboration pane 416 may also include a server collaboration feature, which invites others to access a shared copy of the document. Publishing pane 418 may include a publish to blog feature and a publish to management server feature.

FIG. 5 represents one example of an out-space user interface having a print document tab. Document editor 500 includes expanded ribbon 502, document image 504 and out-space actuator 506. As depicted in FIG. 5, document editor 500 may include print document tab. Print document tab may be associated with document image 504 and print menu pane 508. Print menu 508 may include page layout pane 510, printer options pane 512, print selection pane 514, and print options pane 516. Page layout pane 510 may include a margins feature, an orientation feature, a size feature, a shrink page feature, and a view feature. Printer options pane 512 may include a field for selecting a printer and data associated with the status, type and location of the printer. Print selection pane 514 may include fields for selecting a portion of the document to print. Print options pane 516 may include fields for selecting how the document should be printed.

FIG. 6 represents one example of an out-space user interface having a getting started tab. Document editor 600 includes expanded ribbon 602 and out-space actuator 604. Expanded ribbon 602 may not include a document image in that the getting started tab indicates that a document has not been generated yet. As depicted in FIG. 6, document editor 600 may include getting started tab. Getting started tab may be associated with recent documents pane 606 and template pane 608. Recent document pane 606 may include a list of recently access documents. Templates pane 608 may include a plurality of selectable templates. In one aspect, the selectable templates are thumbnails and upon selection, the in-space user interface is automatically populated. Stated another way, the user is taken from the out-space user interface to the in-space user interface because the selection of a template indicates that the user desires authoring a document.

FIG. 7 represents one example of an out-space user interface having an application information tab. Document editor 700 includes expanded ribbon 702 and out-space actuator 704. Expanded ribbon 702 may or may not include a document image depending on whether the document has been created. As depicted in FIG. 7, document editor 700 may include application information tab. Application information tab may be associated with service pane 706. Service pane 706 may include online services associated with the document editor. Service pane 706 may include password features, online events, product trials, help features, security updates, diagnostics, training, etc.

FIG. 8 represents one exemplary operational flow diagram for accessing an out-space user interface in a document editor program. Operational flow 800 begins at start operation 802 and continues to operation 804 where an in-space interface is provided that includes an out-space actuator. An example of an in-space interface may include FIG. 1. Operational flow 800 continues to decision operation 806 where it is decided whether to enter out-space. If not, operational flow 800 continues to decision operation 808 where it is determined whether to exit the document editor. If it is decided to exit the document editor, operational flow continues to end operation 820. If it is decided to not exit the document editor, operational flow 800 loops back.

If it is decided to enter out-space, operational flow 800 continues to operation 810 where the out-space actuator is selected. When the out-space actuator is selected, the document is converted to an image, the ribbon is expanded and out-space features are populated in the user interface as indicated by operation 812. In another aspect, a document image is not created.

Operational flow continues to decision operation 814 where it is decided whether to return to in-space. If not, operational flow 800 continues to decision operation 818 where it is determined whether to exit the document editor. If it is decided to exit the document editor, operational flow continues to end operation 820. If it is decided to not exit the document editor, operational flow 800 loops back. If it is decided to enter in-space, operational flow 800 continues to operation 816 where the document image is selected. In another aspect, an in-space actuator is selected. Operational flow 800 then loops back to operation 804.

By providing navigation between in-space and out-space, users may easily become familiar with out-space features because they are separated from authoring features. By separating in-space and out-space features, users may easily find features because the features are categorized. Features may be richer and provide more information and functionality because the “real estate” of the display is better utilized. A greater amount of “real estate” is available for out-space features, thereby allowing software developers the opportunity to increase the functionality of a document editor program. Channels of communication associated with a document are better managed because they are not mixed with in-space features.

Referring to FIG. 9, an exemplary system for implementing the invention includes a computing device, such as computing device 900. In a basic configuration, computing device 900 may include any type of stationary computing device or a mobile computing device. Computing device 900 typically includes at least one processing unit 902 and system memory 904. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device, system memory 904 may be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, and the like) or some combination of the two. System memory 904 typically includes operating system 905, one or more applications 906, and may include program data 907. In one embodiment, applications 906 further include application 920 for accessing an out-space user interface. This basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 9 by those components within dashed line 908.

Computing device 900 may also have additional features or functionality. For example, computing device 900 may also include additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 9 by removable storage 909 and non-removable storage 910. Computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. System memory 904, removable storage 909 and non-removable storage 910 are all examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by computing device 900. Any such computer storage media may be part of device 900. Computing device 900 may also have input device(s) 912 such as a keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, etc. Output device(s) 914 such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. may also be included.

Computing device 900 also contains communication connection(s) 916 that allow the device to communicate with other computing devices 918, such as over a network or a wireless network. Communication connection(s) 916 is an example of communication media. Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” may include a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. The term computer readable media as used herein includes both storage media and communication media.

Although the invention has been described in language that is specific to structural features and/or methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or steps described. Rather, the specific features and steps are disclosed as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. 

1. A method for accessing an out-space user interface associated with an in-space user interface, comprising: displaying the in-space user interface that comprises a document display area that is used in creating and editing a document and an in-space user interface area that comprises a display of in-space user interface elements; displaying an out-space actuator with a display of the in-space user interface; and in response to receiving a selection of the out-space actuator, removing the display of the document from the document display area and displaying an out-space user interface within the document display area that comprises a display of out-space user interface elements that when selected do not affect content of the document and removing at least a portion of the in-space user interface elements that are displayed in the in-space user interface area.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the display of in-space user interface elements comprises displaying features that when applied affect the content of the document that is displayed in the document display area.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the display of in-space user interface elements comprise displaying features comprising one or more: home features, insert features, page layout features, reference features, mailing features, review features and view features, formatting features, writing tools, text features, picture features, tables, shapes, chat features, bold features, font features, layout features, arranging features, style features, find tools, spelling tools, a paste tool, a word count, and a synonym finder.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the in-space user interface area comprises displaying a ribbon that displays authoring features for authoring the content of the document including editing.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein in response to receiving the selection of the out-space actuator comprises expanding a display area of the ribbon, removing the authoring features from the ribbon and displaying non-authoring features within the ribbon.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein in response to receiving the selection of the out-space actuator comprises displaying non-authoring features within an area previously occupied by authoring features.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein displaying the non-authoring features comprises displaying at least two or more of: document details, document task list, print features, getting started features, application information features, a send for review feature, a permissions feature, a template feature, an encryption feature, an online feature, an assign document tasks feature, a publish to server feature, access to sharing features, a people and groups feature, and a file search feature.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the out-space user interface comprises converting the document to a document image and displaying the document image within the out-space user interface.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the out-space actuator is actuated in response to a single click.
 10. A computer-readable storage medium device having computer-executable instructions for accessing an out-space user interface for a document editor program, the instructions comprising: displaying the in-space user interface that comprises a document display area that is used in displaying an editable document and an in-space user interface area that comprises a display of in-space user interface elements; displaying an out-space actuator with a display of the in-space user interface; and in response to receiving a selection of the out-space actuator, removing the display of the editable document from the document display area and displaying an out-space user interface that replaces a display of the document display area that comprises a display of out-space user interface elements that when selected do not affect content of the document and removing at least a portion of the in-space user interface elements that are displayed in the in-space user interface area.
 11. The computer-readable storage medium device of claim 10, wherein the display of in-space user interface elements comprises displaying features that when applied affect the content of the document that is displayed in the document display area.
 12. The computer-readable storage medium device of claim 10, wherein the in-space user interface area comprises displaying a ribbon comprising tabs that when selected display authoring features for authoring the content of the document.
 13. The computer-readable storage medium device of claim 12, wherein displaying the ribbon comprising tabs, comprises displaying a home tab, an insert tab, and layout tab.
 14. The computer-readable storage medium device of claim 12, wherein in response to receiving the selection of the out-space actuator comprises expanding a display area of the ribbon, removing the authoring features from the ribbon and displaying non-authoring features within the tabs of the ribbon.
 15. The computer-readable storage medium device of claim 10, wherein displaying the out-space user interface comprises converting the document to a document image and displaying the document image within the out-space user interface.
 16. The computer-readable storage medium device of claim 10, wherein the out-space actuator is displayed near a corner of the in-space user interface and wherein the in the out-space actuator is actuated in response to a single click.
 17. A system for accessing an out-space user interface for a program, the instructions comprising: a processor; a display; and a memory having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, wherein the computer-executable instructions are configured to: displaying the in-space user interface that comprises a document display area that is used in displaying a document that can be edited and an in-space user interface area that comprises a display of in-space user interface elements; displaying an out-space actuator with a display of the in-space user interface; and in response to receiving a selection of the out-space actuator, removing the display of the document from the document display area and displaying an out-space user interface that replaces a display of the document display area that comprises a display of out-space user interface elements that when selected do not affect content of the document and removing at least a portion of the in-space user interface elements that are displayed in the in-space user interface area.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the in-space user interface area comprises displaying a ribbon comprising tabs that when selected display authoring features for authoring the content of the document.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein in response to receiving the selection of the out-space actuator comprises expanding a display area of the ribbon, and replacing the authoring features within non-authoring features within the tabs of the ribbon.
 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the out-space actuator is actuated in response to a single click and when actuated an image of the document is presented with the display of the out-space user interface elements that when selected do not affect content of the document. 